Customer Reviews

The Good Life

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I really had no idea what to expect from this album. I knew the lineage but hadn't heard anything about it when I put on the headphones at my local shop's listening station. It sounded really great from the start and the amount of "country" it contained blew me away. I guess I thought there would be some amount of over-production or pretention given who His parent(s) and in-laws are. If there is any, I can't find it. This album is creative and really goes back to what I would call "old-school" country. Ya, ya think Hank Williams Sr. I can't come up with a better example but I never claimed to be at all creative. Lucky for us Justin Townes Earle is and this album hasn't lost it's shine even after I listened to it through a number of times. "The Good Life" stands alone as a great album by a creative artist regardless of how he may be compared to his father. That being said, He does a great job living up to his namesake(s)!

I think Justin has a couple songs that show dad's influence: particularly the civil war ballad, and another 1 or 2 (Who Am I To Say sounds a bit like SE, as does Turn Out the Light). But he is definitely his own man -- by no means a Steve Earle imitator. I love the harkening back to Tin Pan Alley (Hard Livin) and a variety of other styles, from pretty straight C&W (Good Life and Lonesome & You, with all that pedal steel) to bluegrass (Glad I'm Leaving -- although there is another country style that sounds like this, too -- can't think of the name), to country swing (What Do You Do When You're Lonesome is great!) and a little Muscle Shoals (South Georgia Sugar Babe, although I am never completely clear on what I think Muscle Shoals sound is...).

In addition to Americana and Alt-Country folks, I think the Dwight Yoakum fans might like this CD. Also fans of old country blues like Lightnin' Hopkins and Mance Lipscomb.

Last word: I think Far Away in Another Town is a great, great song. Just pitch perfect. A bit of SE as well in this one. Dozens of top stars would be proud to have produced a song like this.

This CD,"The Good Life", is my all time favorite JTE CD. You must listen to the song, "Who am I to say" and read the lyrics. And also, "Far away in another town". Both songs have startling lyrics. The entire CD is well produced and engineered.

I caught JTE on a late night variety show. He sang "Harlem River Blues." I was never attracted to Country as a genre, but this guy made me a believer. He is Country with a hip, genuinely cool and intriguing aspect that is naturally, honestly his in both his music and his manner. A refreshingly honest artist in an age of hype. God knows how someone so real got this far. I am just glad he has. I bought all his albums and enjoy them all, of course some tunes more than others. His tremendous range of styles and forms of songs makes listening both interesting and pleasurable through the whole of his CDs. I hope you enjoy him too!

Justin Townes Earle's music makes my imagination dance. He fully appreciates the past and remakes it for the present. I feel alive and aware and present when I listen to his music, and I am sorely sad that I missed his recent visit to Vancouver, BC, Canada...I was there in spirit! Many blessings to you, Mr. Earle. Carry on!

Buy this album and if you can, try and see him live. Amazing stuff. Great talent with very very cool style. i'm a fan of the new throwback bands and he lives up to that billing.

What a great album from a great new star. He sounds a lot like his dad on the slower songs and writes a lot like his namesake, Townes Van Zant, but he definately stands on his own. He actually reminds me of a modern Hank Williams. Just great, real, county music, not the fluff on today's county radio. If this guy doesn't become a huge star, it's not because he doesn't deserve it.

This is a fantastic album. Justin has an amazing voice, at times reminiscent of his dad, Steve Earle. For the most part, though, Justin has his own style, which is fun, beautiful, and unique. A combination of fast-paced, exciting songs and slower, relaxed numbers. The album as a whole comes together very well. I highly recommend it for any fan of Americana, roots country, bluegrass, or folk.

I will first and foremost admit that this cd, and the musical genre is not my cup of tea. I was recommended this album by a friend who likes this type of music. I was completely skeptical, and went into the first listen thinking I would absolutely hate it. I was wrong, and will freely admit it! I liked it right away, and every listen since has just made it better. For his age, Justin is fantastic. This cd is really great and I would recommend it to anyone. If someone like me can get my mind changed, it can happen to anyone.

I love this CD.
This is the first thing I have ever listened to by Justin. This guy's got talent ! The more you listen to it, the more you like it...it's familiar, yet unique...very well put together...
i only wish he had included the lyrics :(